032813: Tender Thursday

Here's the 3rd-post-in-a-row that I promised you! I was going to let this post slide, but my guilty conscience made sure I posted something; therefore, I'm taking this opportunity to flaunt some of my buys from yesterday. Being from where I'm from, there isn't much to do but eat, sleep, shop, and walk around Target, so I did just that yesterday with some friends. We went to so many places that we lost count, but I was able to score a little something-something at Ross and Goodwill.

If you haven't noticed yet, I am in love with polka dots. I so dig the retro feel. I kind of wish I lived in the past eras because the fashion then was way too cool. Thank goodness, old trends are coming back. Hey, isn't fashion timeless anyways? I am also in love with pleated skirts; in fact, I just bought another one that I'm picking up on Monday. They are so flattering and comfortable. With this one being mint, it was practically yelling out my name because I love pastel colors.

  Grey cardigan--Garage Sale: $0.25

Forever 21 polka dot ruffle top--Goodwill: $2

Mint pleated skirt--Ross: $11

Black pointed heels--Community rummage sale: $1

Dooney & Bourke handbag--Momma's closet (purchased at Garage Sale): FREE

Total: $14.25, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$4

My ten cents #11: Experimenting new trends is good, but don't lose sight of who you are. Corny, I know, but I believe this is important. People go through phases and try different trends; some people change just to fit in with the crowd. What I love about fashion is that it is a different outlet to express yourself artistically. Through this blog, I started to develop a clearer perception of my style. Even though the current trends revolve around edgy fabric like leather and crazy platform shoes, I'm not falling into the trap...unless the leather fabric has a floral print or the platform shoes are ridiculously girly. Learning more about my taste in style is like learning more about myself as a person, and I love that feeling.

032713: Windy Wednesday

Lucky you, I'm posting 2 entries in a row, let's make tomorrow the third! Don't get your hopes up too high; I'm spoiling you because it's spring break, which is when I'm spoiling myself with even more buys...I promise you, no more until later (whatever that even means :P). Although I love dressing fancy on the daily, here's my casual look that was appropriate for today's wacko weather, heck, tomorrow is suppose to rain. I wanted to keep my hair from going crazy, so I threw on a beret, and boy, did it do magic.

Ew, it's me trying to be a Gap model or somes. I thought the cardigan and pants were way too casual for me, so I paired it up with a button up vest with a front tie for a dash of class.

Forever 21 salmon/coral beret--Forever 21: $5

Collar button up vest--Ecothrift: $1
H&M black patterned cardigan--H&M: $10

Gap brown polka-dot pants--Gap Outlet $13

Dooney & Bourke crossbody--Garage Sale: $30

Forever 21 cream crochet shoes--Forever 21: $10

Total: $69, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$18

My ten cents #10:  I believe this is my most expensive outfit up to date. I have already stressed the idea of splurging on something that is an investment because the price per wear would be worth it, but I have yet to explain the term in depth for those who need a fill in. Price per wear is how much the garment is worth depending on the amount of wears. For example, if the item is $10 and you have worn that piece 10 times, then the PPW is only a dollar. The more you wear it, the "cheaper" it gets. When I calculate my PPW, I divide the price by the times I have used it, which is guestimated. That is why I am okay with splurging on some items, but I don't jump the gun on everything I see. Here's my real ten cents #10, which I also tell my friends and family when I shop with them: when you try something on in the store, are you in love? Does it make you feel good? Does it flatter your figure? It's like saying yes to the dress...if it makes you look and feel amazing, then it's worth it. Just don't go too crazy with this "I am in love" deal because I am in love with the Jeffrey Campbell Maryjane wedge and Steve Madden nude pumps, but I'm not getting them until I have extra money just laying around aimlessly.

032513: Trenchant Tuesday

Even though I haven't been posting lately, I have definitely been shopping, and I have been waiting for spring break to flaunt my new buys! THANK GOODNESS FOR SPRING BREAK because that means even more shopping...wooot! I swear, I am not a shopaholic or anything. ;)
Anywho...let me introduce ya to my very first pair of Steve Madden shoes! I have been searching high and low for these babies at a price that I approve of. Not only is this a pair of heels, but they strap around my legs! If you didn't know already, I love love love heels. I am guilty of wearing them to school even though I can barely walk in them. These babies are so so comfortable and easy to walk in. I didn't know how love at first sight felt until I laid my eyes on these guys...and wait until you see how much I got them for!

Next, I would like you meet to my very first topshop dress, which happens to be my "goal dress." Unfortunately, this doesn't fit like a glove...yet. I tried it on at Thrift Town and fell in love with it big time. Buttoning this up is a bit tricky, so I guesstimated the distance between the holes and buttons and assumed that it would fit. When I got home and got some help, I realized this dress is a little small. Yes, my heart broke a little. Either this beauty was not handled with care and shrunk before I got it or I am no longer a size 2. I bet it was finals week that is now biting me in my buttocks. :( It's okay though; no more late night munchies and better choices from here on out! Luckily, I got this at half price because it was March Madness at Thrift Town!

The open back definitely sealed the deal for me. I have this fetish with dresses with unconventional cuts..you shall see in later posts. I guess this is part of my obsessions with little details. Not only did this dress have an open back, but it had lace trimmings in the front and the bottom of the dress, which I love!

Apt. 9 pink blazer--Garage Sale: $0.25

Topshop floral dress--Thrift Town: $5 (originally $10)

Steve Madden heels--Garage Sale: $1

Replica Prada handbag--Garage Sale: $2-3 

Total: $9.25, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$5

My ten cents #9: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS. It is amazing how little details complement a WHOLE outfit. It's like, why would you wear an itty bitty accessory? It's a little detail that pulls your whole outfit together. When I go shopping, the little details are the things that catch my attention rather than the garment itself. For example, the shoe straps caught my eye, not the Steve Madden label. The flowers on the dress yelled out my name and then the lace did; I originally had no idea that the back had an opening. Buttons, pockets, unconventional cuts, and stitching are little details that make or break my transactions. I see these little details as my way of expressing myself differently from others. Let it be studs or wacky patterns, let them speak for themselves.

030413: Mellow Monday

Greetings lovelies, long time no post! *insert typical excuse related to school* I have been swamped with so much that I don't even have time to pretty myself up anymore; I just throw on a UCD hoodie and call it a day. Tired of my typical routine in the past couple of weeks, I decided to casually "dress-up." Dressing up? Easy--throw on a button up!

Since it was Mellow Monday and all, my definition of "dressing up" was definitely tweaked. Inspired by my little brother, I turned my button up into a cardigan. I used to make fun of him for doing so, but it's actually not a bad idea! As you know, I love versatility, so I totally dig this two-in-one type of deal. I decided to pair this up with a band tee that I got last weekend with a friend of mines to put a dash of indie into the look.

Lands' End blue button up--Thrift Town: $3

The Beatles band tee--Kohl's: $4

BEBE black denim pants--Aunt's closet: FREE

Brown crossbody--Garage Sale: $1

Keds tan canvas shoes--Ross: $12

Total: $20, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$5

My ten cents #8:  SHOP CLEARANCE AND ONLY CLEARANCE. I saw this Beatles tee a couple of months ago for it's original price of $20 and I really wanted it even though I already have another Beatles tee, but I am way too cheap to cough up full price for anything. I secretly knew this tee would creep up on the clearance rack at Kohl's and I was so right. From $20 to $4...80% sale, score. As a "budget," I have this rule where I only buy something if it's on clearance. If it's not, then I simply don't buy it. It's my way of making sure I don't buy the whole store, but I don't want to put a budget on myself where I have to pass up on a good deal. Those who are worried that the clothes on clearance are out of season, this is your chance to put your imagination to work. Fashion is timeless, so be creative!